IN MEMORIAM DONATIONS
Remembering your loved ones with thanks 🖤
MARK EDWARD KEYMER
October 13th 2023
“Keymo” lost his brave fight with Cancer on Friday 13th October 2023, a very Metal day to die.
He loved our Rock and Metal community and was Festival dad to many.
Always there for a hug or an understanding ear, a man who always looked after those who needed a bit of support. He was always different and celebrated differences in others so the Sophie Lancaster Foundation was a natural choice for him to chose as one of the charities to benefit from donations made at his funeral.
Jake “Mettle” Ettle-Iles
December 19th 2022
Jake “Mettle” Ettle-Iles passed away suddenly, unexpectedly and devastatingly on the 19th of December 2022. He was a driving force and icon in the Bristol & Southwest Metal community. He played in a variety of bands mainly, of the Industrial Metal genre as a guitarist and lead vocalist. Amongst these was “BodyHarvest”. The band released 2 albums and won the Southwest heat of “Metal To The Masses” culminating in performing on the New Blood stage at the 2018 Bloodstock festival. His latest venture, “Cybervoid” was gaining momentum before he died and their EP was released by fellow band members with proceeds of their sale going to S.O.P.H.I.E. His trademark 7, 8 and 9 string guitars were always a formidable presence on stage. Jake lived his life on full blast and as loud as possible. Jake radiated life. He was a rock star, class clown with the wisest, kindest heart. He valued friendship, family, inclusion and loved to make people laugh. He supported S.O.P.H.I.E. and donated a monetary work award to the charity. He supported the fight against Alternative Hate Crime. He leaves behind his partner, parents, sister and multitude of friends and work colleagues. “A Truly Epic, Cool, Dude”
Marie Windridge
May 7th 2023
Marie Windridge was a caring daughter, a dedicated sister and lovely mother. Growing up with Marie as my older sister, I was influenced by her great taste in rock and heavy metal music and admired the way she dressed. I remember being scared to present myself in dark gothic clothing and yet Marie would remind me to ignore the opinions of others and dress the way I wanted; I will always be thankful for her for that. She was a devoted fan of Download Festival and despite the numerous health issues she fought her way through she’d still be in the audience with her crutch held high.
Marie felt strongly towards charities such as The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, and I know that she would be looking down smiling, knowing we have raised money for this charity in her name.
Mark Whittingham
“Brother Whitters”
July 7th 2024
Mark was a creative person who worked in the field of graphic design throughout his life. He had a love for design, books and music, especially punk music. The gigs he went to are countless, and he was a well-known face at the Rebellion Punk Festival every year. He also loved rambling around charity shops in Birmingham and beyond, always looking for a bargain. As a result Xmas presents we’re always a lottery but never dull.
Mark will be remembered as a warm and loving man with a heart of gold, a generous person who gave of himself and always took the time to brighten the day of everyone around him. His brilliant way with words, along with a great sense of humour and witty remarks, gave us many good laughs.
Through The Sophie Lancaster Foundation we hope to give back a little of all Mark gave to us. It was a charity he related to and he wore his Sophie wristband with pride. Hopefully he’s looking down on us, well chuffed, with that infectious smile of his.
To anyone reading this, struggling and not sharing, you need to share…there’s more help out there through friends, family and charities…you’re never alone.
Mark, you were more respected and more loved than you probably ever realised, and you are missed beyond words. Thank you for everything.
There’s always the sun ☀️
TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER
Sometimes we are reminded how fragile and precious life is. This page is a quiet space to reflect and take a moment to appreciate all that we have within this wonderful community.
Find out how to donate in memoriam
Get in touch
If you’re raising money for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation in memory of a loved one, please contact us.
We are so touched when in even the saddest of times, people still think of our foundation. Whether it’s close to you, or to the people around you, we appreciate your support.
Message us
© Copyright Sophie Lancaster Foundation 2023 | Registered Charity Number: 1129689 | Website Built by SQ Digital